What Are Hyaluronic Acid Supplements Good For?

Chances are if you have any type of joint pain you have heard of hyaluronic acid. There are many supplements advertised today for joint pain that include hyaluronic acid. You may wonder what exactly this compound is and how it can help with the pain that you are experiencing.

You may also wonder if you should begin taking a hyaluronic acid supplement.

It is important to note that before you begin taking any type of supplement you should speak with your doctor first. It is important to make sure that any supplements including a hyaluronic acid supplement is safe ﻿for you to be using.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is found ﻿﻿th﻿roug﻿hou﻿﻿t the body. It is in your joints, eyes, and in your skin. This compound is often added to cosmetics and joint supplements. Hyaluronic acid is often used in sports medicine and in cosmetic medicine.

Doctors use hyaluronic acid injections as a way to fill in wrinkles or to help alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis.

You can find hyaluronic acid in liquid, powder, and injection form. In most medical applications the injection form is used. There is not a lot of clinical research on how effective it is when used in an oral supplement.

Hyaluronic Acid For Knees

Hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs within the joints could reduce joint pain in the knees that is associated with osteoarthritis. This compound is a part of viscous synovial fluid, which helps to cushion the joints. For this reason, doctors may inject hyaluronic acid into the knee in order to improve the fluid effectiveness.

Hyaluronic Acid Skin Benefits

When hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin, it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This compound may also plump the skin or the lips to make them have a fuller appearance. The FDA has approved many hyaluronic based fillers as a way to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Hyaluronic Acid And The Eyes

There is hyaluronic acid found in your tears and your eyes. One study conducted in Japan found that hyaluronic acid solutions can help improve corneal epithelial disorders for those who suffer from dry eyes.

Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects

When taken orally, hyaluronic acid is likely safe. It is also likely safe to apply to the skin. If given by i﻿﻿njection appropriately﻿﻿ it is also quite safe to use. There are rarely any allergic reactions to using hyaluronic acid.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be aware that it is possibly unsafe to receive this compound during this time.

Conclusion

Hyaluronic acid is a natural compound found within the body. Injections of this compound have been used for many years and offer patients some relief from joint pain associated with diseases such as osteoarthritis.

Hyaluronic acid supplements are now available, but there is very little evidence to support how well these oral supplements work. Most often, hyaluronic acid is added in addition to other ingredients to help support joint pain relief.